Attention! Completely remastered episodes of the Dead Mall Series are now being archived in 4K at ua-cam.com/channels/fCM_TfrSDMkkMpKuLNWuXA.html. The remasters have gone through an extensive AI Enhancement process as well as proper sound mixing and colorization. This Dead Mall Series Remastered project has been made possible through viewer support on Patreon. Go over now and watch in glorious 4K. ENJOY!
That streetscape at the beginning looks like you would imagine towns would look ten years after mankind has gone... I love your videos Dan, but good grief they can be depressing!
This and the mix of very different eras, like the woman in fur coat looks dating back from the 40s and the elevator was certified 50 years later. It's a bit confusing.
julosx I was impressed by the building's long history of use, it was continuously occupied for well over 100 years, and even now it's getting some seasonal use as a haunted house
My great grandmother had a Kaufman's Diary from 1918. I love the idea of possibly seeing some of the hallways she or my grandmother may have walked. One day I hope to get up their and visit myself.
You'd be surprised. Some original Victorian era buildings had some very nasty color schemes. In particular, an original mansion I busted once had a coral pink and sort of teal color scheme in the bathroom.
+terminalsigma It's crazy how often they show up in these "abandoned" vids. Did whoever used it suddenly get healed and walk away? Or did they keel over dead and leave it behind? It's never in a closet or out of the way place, but always in the middle of a room or hall.
@@billybareblu EXACTLY!! Same goes for a creepy chair or old baby stroller positioned right in the middle of an empty room or hallway. While I think Dan has more integrity than other "urbex's" and is above it, I think other past "visitors" might have posed different artifacts around the properties.
A lot of homeless people will take wheelchairs from local hospitals either just cause or to gain sympathy and subsequently more money when panhandling. I'm quite surprised he hasn't encountered more homeless people at the very least sleeping in some of these abandoned places he explores.
billybareblu it’s not uncommon for urban explorers and/or photographers to move things around. One example of this that I know of is in the hospital where the firefighters went to in Pripyat. In the basement there’s a pipe of super radioactive firefighters’ equipment. (It’s actually one of the most radioactive places there along with a seat on the ferris wheel and the actual reactor itself). Someone had the bright idea to move one of the helmets and if it isn’t still there it’s been sitting on one of the windowsills for a while. I pity the poor idiot who got the bright idea to move it though. He probably didn’t have a fun time afterwards.
What a great video. I love how much character old buildings like this have. I was also surprised with how segmented the building is. When you think of Department stores, you imagine large, open spaces. This had so many separate rooms. At 6:15, it actually looks almost like indoor horse stables! As always, thanks Dan!
+MENT ACLE I know, it's crazy to think. There were probably people who went to this place day in and day out, for 40 or more years. This was their life's work. I also wonder what it was before, or if it was just designed that way specifically for the store.
The calender on the wall was 1983. It gives you an idea on age of things in the building. I was surprised to see the 1983 calender on the wall survive so long like that.
I liked that wallpaper under the paint. That whole area is like a time capsule of a department store from the 40's. Phil Collins does urban exploration in his spare time. Cool.
The remains of so many different styles is amazing. Even the post civil war brickwork in the basement. Love the 1970's bright flower centerpiece at 9:43
At 12:43, that "Watch Clock Station", that was a way of ensuring that the night gaurd was patrolling the building. There would be a key inside that box that would fit into a clock on the other side of the building. The clocks had timers in them. If the key wasn't inserted at the correct time, the alarm would sound. There would be multiple timers on the clock, ensuring the gaurd was making his rounds accordingly. Basically, it made sure your gaurd wasn't sleeping on the job.
+Tony Fleek ~Hey Bro what do ya know 🤘Seen your comment 💜 It is a haunted house the last 3 seasons. Guards on duty and to escort patrons🎃👫 safely. I hear it was a nice place to shop back in the day. As you see Mr.Bell is visiting during the day which scares most folks. He purposely removed the gang bangers and dealers. So come on down for a visit 2 scares for the price of one. #1 Gangbangers and ppl in the mall #2 The Haunted House.Thank you I always wondered how it looked on the inside.
Just amazing. The drop tin ceiling, the elevator, the watchclock (great history lesson there- I had no idea) the eeriness... one of your best. I want to buy that music, so nostalgic and creepy in a bittersweet way. Five stars!
Your videos are so well done! You are my absolute favorite urban explorer. I don't know much about cameras or filming but I know that watching your videos is like watching a suspense-filled movie. I'm always slightly unnerved and on the edge of my seat wondering what's lurking around the next corner.
Absolutely love the creative direction of adding the music and echos to the videos. Really helps with immersion, very original idea for an urban exploration series. Great work.
have you ever thought about going to europe do these things? I know in US is more than enough of scary abandoned places, but in europe you can find much much older abandoned buildings and the more history place have the more scary it can get
That Dan, is a key holder for the nightwatchmen's manual clock. He would wear the clock around his neck and when came to one of those key holders, he would take the key stick it in the clock and give it a turn. That was how he would keep up with his rounds during the night while checking the different area's of the store. Each floor would have one of those. Hint's the name watch clock station, hope this information helps.
Such beautiful decay. The music was a nice touch. I swear when that shutter started to rattle I half expected some zombies to come bursting through. Keep up the good work :)
that calendar!! i was a senior at saint ignatius college prep in san francisco, and it seems my birthday fell on a thursday. i worked weekends at a furniture store in 1982 much smaller, but not unlike this, called Lewis Samuels & Co. mission district SF.
Dan, A Watchclock is a mechanical clock used by security guards as part of their Guard tour patrol system which require regular patrols. The most commonly used form was the mechanical clock systems that required a key for manual punching of a number to a strip of paper inside with the time pre-printed on it. Recently, electronic systems have increased in popularity due to their light weight, ease of use, and downloadable logging capabilities [1] This increase in the electronic systems led the largest U.S. manufacturer of watchclocks, Detex, to discontinue all of their mechanical watchclocks on December 31, 2011 including the Detex Newman which had been manufactured for 130 years. Watchclocks often had a paper or light cardboard disk or paper tape placed inside for a set period of time usually 24 hours for disk models, and 96 hours for tape models. The user would carry the clock to each checkpoint where a numbered key was mounted (typically chained in place, ensuring that the user was present). That key was then inserted into the clock, turned, and imprint the disk with the key number. The paper disk or tape had the times pre printed and the key impressed the key number on the corresponding time. After the shift (or Specified time period) an authorized person (usually a supervisor) would unlock the watchclock and retrieve the disk or tape and insert a new one. In the case of Detex brand clocks, each time the cover is opened or closed a mechanical device would puncture the disk or tape at the current time, if a disk had more than 2 perforations on it, it proved that the clock had been opened and possibly tampered with, or records forged. "The approximately five pound circular watchclock was enclosed in a black leather pouch attached to a leather strap and carried over the shoulder. Inside buildings mounted near doors, were watchclock stations consisting of a small metal box with a hinged lid, which contained a numbered key affixed by a twelve-inch chain. The watchman would insert the key into the clock, rotate it and a numeric stamp would be pressed onto a roll or disk of paper locked inside the clock."
I like the music on this one. It was a perfect fit. The "Superstar" instrumental took me back to the early 70's. I remember hearing music like this (or maybe it was this exact same music) as I wandered around in older department stores. Nice work Dan. The videos just keep getting better all the time.
It is hard to imagine that this place was ever a department store especially with fitting rooms and retail space in the basement like that. We are spoiled by our very modern way of shopping. I bet it was beautiful in its hayday.
That security camera at 14:20 is ancient! I remember those in the 80's and early 90's in stores. Looks like someone swiped the lens off of that one. I just put in a system that does 1080p, and the cams are 3/4 that size.
The watch clock is a check point for security guards, they would have to check in at these stations throughout the store. The night watchman would check in each station during the night when he made his rounds. There was a key attached to them that check this on a device he would have on his person.
Dan. Have you ever thought of making a Short Film. With your talent, ideas and some extra equipment you should be able too. Panning shots with a dolly for example and much more. I'm sure you could win one or more prizes.
dude idk if a game like this has been made, but wouldn't it be so cool to make something that starts off like a typical dan bell video but ends up turning into something kinda like outlast? sorry if i'm being a butt writing this comment, it might be obvious, but i only know like two video games XD
I like how when you picked up the receiver it still had a busy tone as if it were hooked up. Did that happen or was the sound edited in and if it was good job lol!
I have seen almost all the dead mall video's and I realy love them. I am from Holland and we do not have dead malls like this here. I like the ones that are totally empty, the best of all. The eerie vibe and the way everything is crumbling down, wow great. Like a horror movie without the zombies but still scary as hell. Keep on making them. :-)
Thanks for showing the elevators! The elevators are the best part in the video. And those are dated back to the 1960s I think, because if it were pre 1960s, there would have been a crank in the elevator. That store must have closed and been renovated before it opened up as Kaufman's. I would love to go into the old Kress in my city, but I'm so scared of getting caught.
one day, my family and I got lost in the city and ended up here and ever since, I've been fascinated by the place. considering the area and how bad they look on the outside, they're in pretty good shape on the inside
started watching some of your videos from time to time over the last couple months then more recently almost every day/nite. you do such a great job. Keep up the good work. you have more guts than i got going into some of the creepy places ive seen in our videos
Thanks. It is amazing to see an entire block empty like this. In my neighborhood, you'd never see this. I have seen empty buildings out in the rural areas...I guess I need to get out more.
that watch clock station is for a security guard. a key is attached to the chain and the guard carried a clock that he/she inserts the key and it marks the time the guard was at that station. security companies do this to show the guards are doing their jobs.
Everything looks so old, rusted and run-down...but then, in the midst of all that, is a modern-looking security camera, seemingly just installed yesterday!
Great video Dan! That watch station box is for a guard on patrol. he would have a device on him and as he made his rounds, he would insert the key from those little boxes to show he actually did his patrol correctly.
Its amazing how items like clothing charts and signs can make the environment that much more creepier..surprised they have stood the test of time. Many of them look untouched which adds to the mystery. Creepy stuff.
wow I haven't been to old town mall in over 20yrs. I lived on orleans St in the projects as a kid. I just asked you on another video to go here! wow!!!
The little black box on the wall is a Detex Watchclock Station. The night watchman/guard would remove the key from the box and insert into the watchclock which makes an impression on a roll of paper. But there are ways around the system. The keys were readily available new from the manufacturer or used at various places. I doubt if they are still in use. The new version of that is a bar code. Easily defeated, take a picture with a smart phone and relax for awhile.
Murrlin27 - that's what I've been thinking the whole time while watching these videos. I can see him putting out a book with all the best of photos from these places so people can recall those times.
As many times as I've driven past the old Town Mall I never had any idea there was an old department store there. Then again I've never had the guts to go through there.
The wheelchair was probably a courtesy chair in the Kaufman's days. And Dan, those basement finds were an amazing time capsule. The date on the lockbox fob was 10/18/45, written on my dad's 20th birthday! I wonder how it remained there for 70 years!
This is Dan Bell. I think those little cards was maybe the time clock? Did anyone else offer an explanation? By the way, I love your videos! I really like the fact that you have a lot of respect for the places you show us. I wish everyone did. It seems like a lot people just want to destroy these places. I'm looking forward to your next adventure!!!
so glad BSF used your footage so i could find you! I live in baltimore and I've been looking for videos on abandoned places here. Super excites they are planning to do a haunted house or something here this october!!
Buildings so old there I remember working on this super old farmhouse ,we had to jack up the walls and redo the foundation and all this on that honestly had ceilings that were no taller than six foot throughout its entirety . walls were like a foot thick with hay /mud? inside them lol ! What a trip.
Back in earlier days, large stores had night watchmen, usually retired cops, who came on duty at five, and stayed until reopening at nine the next morning. They were responsible for making rounds throughout the store all night long to prevent burglaries. The night watchmen carried special watches that were geared to run for ten or fifteen minutes, the length of time it would take for him to walk from one black key box to the next. So each of those special black boxes you saw, known as a Watchman's Key Box, had a special key inside which the night watchman would use to rewind his watch. If he was goofing around and was late, or fell asleep, the next morning his watch would be out of synchronization with the master clock, and he would be fired. These are the little treasures from the past that are not seen anymore due to alarm systems. From the writing I saw, on the medallion, it seems the key boxes were last updated in October of 1945. Pretty amazing.
12:50 - In the days before automated security, guards would carry a 'watch clock' on their rounds. At certain points (like the one you found) there was a station mounted on the wall and inside there was a key. The guard would insert the key into the clock and turn it, therefore marking that he had visited that particular spot and at what time. I suppose in the long run that it was a measure of accountability and a positive record the guard was doing his job and not slacking off and hiding somewhere.
At 12:43, that "Watch Clock Station", that was a way of ensuring that the night gaurd was patrolling the building. There would be a key inside that box that would fit into a clock on the other side of the building. The clocks had timers in them. If the key wasn't inserted at the correct time, the alarm would sound. There would be multiple timers on the clock, ensuring the gaurd was making his rounds accordingly. Basically, it made sure your gaurd wasn't sleeping on the job.
Attention! Completely remastered episodes of the Dead Mall Series are now being archived in 4K at ua-cam.com/channels/fCM_TfrSDMkkMpKuLNWuXA.html. The remasters have gone through an extensive AI Enhancement process as well as proper sound mixing and colorization. This Dead Mall Series Remastered project has been made possible through viewer support on Patreon. Go over now and watch in glorious 4K. ENJOY!
That streetscape at the beginning looks like you would imagine towns would look ten years after mankind has gone... I love your videos Dan, but good grief they can be depressing!
what surprises me the most is the lack of vandalism
This and the mix of very different eras, like the woman in fur coat looks dating back from the 40s and the elevator was certified 50 years later. It's a bit confusing.
julosx I was impressed by the building's long history of use, it was continuously occupied for well over 100 years, and even now it's getting some seasonal use as a haunted house
My great grandmother had a Kaufman's Diary from 1918. I love the idea of possibly seeing some of the hallways she or my grandmother may have walked. One day I hope to get up their and visit myself.
You can tell some of the paint was left from the 80s, because no one else in history has thought coral and seafoam green was a good idea.
I dunno, it's starting to look like one after the fifty shades of bloody grey everything is now.
You'd be surprised. Some original Victorian era buildings had some very nasty color schemes. In particular, an original mansion I busted once had a coral pink and sort of teal color scheme in the bathroom.
hey, it would match the comforter and bedding set I got in 1988.
Why is there ALWAYS an abandoned wheelchair in these places? Is there a clause in ghosts' collective bargaining agreement that specifies it?
+terminalsigma It's crazy how often they show up in these "abandoned" vids. Did whoever used it suddenly get healed and walk away? Or did they keel over dead and leave it behind? It's never in a closet or out of the way place, but always in the middle of a room or hall.
billybareblu Who knows they probably sold them lol
@@billybareblu EXACTLY!! Same goes for a creepy chair or old baby stroller positioned right in the middle of an empty room or hallway. While I think Dan has more integrity than other "urbex's" and is above it, I think other past "visitors" might have posed different artifacts around the properties.
A lot of homeless people will take wheelchairs from local hospitals either just cause or to gain sympathy and subsequently more money when panhandling. I'm quite surprised he hasn't encountered more homeless people at the very least sleeping in some of these abandoned places he explores.
billybareblu it’s not uncommon for urban explorers and/or photographers to move things around.
One example of this that I know of is in the hospital where the firefighters went to in Pripyat. In the basement there’s a pipe of super radioactive firefighters’ equipment. (It’s actually one of the most radioactive places there along with a seat on the ferris wheel and the actual reactor itself). Someone had the bright idea to move one of the helmets and if it isn’t still there it’s been sitting on one of the windowsills for a while.
I pity the poor idiot who got the bright idea to move it though. He probably didn’t have a fun time afterwards.
As an Elevator Mechanic I cant thank you enough for taking the time to film them and their components when they're available. Awesome videos!
that vintage shoe chart omg i love it!!!!!!!! well done!!!!!!!
+hell0hkitty I turned around and there it was. It was so awesome!
What a great video. I love how much character old buildings like this have.
I was also surprised with how segmented the building is. When you think of Department stores, you imagine large, open spaces. This had so many separate rooms. At 6:15, it actually looks almost like indoor horse stables!
As always, thanks Dan!
Ditto on the horse stable resemblance! I wondered what was there when the place was open. Just think, people had their livelihoods centered there!
+FireCracker3240 Mr Ed lived there briefly back in the day. a horse of course a horse of course has to be Mr, Ed. (you need to sing read that)
+MENT ACLE I know, it's crazy to think. There were probably people who went to this place day in and day out, for 40 or more years. This was their life's work. I also wonder what it was before, or if it was just designed that way specifically for the store.
+FireCracker3240 *Already singing*. I love Mr. Ed!
+FireCracker3240 WILBURRRRR !!!!
The calender on the wall was 1983. It gives you an idea on age of things in the building. I was surprised to see the 1983 calender on the wall survive so long like that.
I liked that wallpaper under the paint. That whole area is like a time capsule of a department store from the 40's. Phil Collins does urban exploration in his spare time. Cool.
I can't believe anyone would cover it up!
The remains of so many different styles is amazing. Even the post civil war brickwork in the basement. Love the 1970's bright flower centerpiece at 9:43
that Phil Collins tag was cool, who knows if its true but my imagination is saying yes
Adam!
+adamthewoo look up phil collins autograph and compare it.
+adamthewoo HOLY SHIT! HIIII ADAM!
Adam the woo 😊
hi adam
At 12:43, that "Watch Clock Station", that was a way of ensuring that the night gaurd was patrolling the building. There would be a key inside that box that would fit into a clock on the other side of the building. The clocks had timers in them. If the key wasn't inserted at the correct time, the alarm would sound. There would be multiple timers on the clock, ensuring the gaurd was making his rounds accordingly. Basically, it made sure your gaurd wasn't sleeping on the job.
I loved the age of this building. Much older than the places you guys usually go to.
I love all your videos Dan Bell but this would have been sublime if you could have found pictures of what it looked like in operation
You have a lot of balls going into these buildings not knowing what can be lurking in them and how unsafe they are.
A little asbestos never hurt anybody! hhaahaaaa
So true. Heck I'd be afraid to go through the floor of one those old buildings and get trapped.
A C & C permit takes the fear away.
Waiting for ES6 He’s got balls living in Baltimore
@@MirrorDomains Bring back asbestos!
they should turn that place into loft apartments! cool building! loved the vintage elevator
Bad part of town.
+faithdaily1959 SoDoSoPa
+faithdaily1959 Loving and kind thoughtful neighbors? is this the area where if you stop at a red light they run out and steal your tires?
@@HereForAStorm 🤣
charge by the hour, lol. is this where the guy from the wire lived with his friend?
That neighborhood around it looks like a Scooby Doo ghost town.
+Upeedina Lamb see it in real life :] lol
Until your there... Then you can buy any drug you want. It's a crazy area
+Tony Fleek ~Hey Bro what do ya know 🤘Seen your comment 💜 It is a haunted house the last 3 seasons. Guards on duty and to escort patrons🎃👫 safely. I hear it was a nice place to shop back in the day. As you see Mr.Bell is visiting during the day which scares most folks. He purposely removed the gang bangers and dealers. So come on down for a visit 2 scares for the price of one. #1 Gangbangers and ppl in the mall #2 The Haunted House.Thank you I always wondered how it looked on the inside.
This video and all your videos are just amazing.
+Michael Sperr Thanks, Michael.
Michael Sperry agreed
Just amazing. The drop tin ceiling, the elevator, the watchclock (great history lesson there- I had no idea) the eeriness... one of your best. I want to buy that music, so nostalgic and creepy in a bittersweet way. Five stars!
Your videos are so well done! You are my absolute favorite urban explorer. I don't know much about cameras or filming but I know that watching your videos is like watching a suspense-filled movie. I'm always slightly unnerved and on the edge of my seat wondering what's lurking around the next corner.
The most ancient elevator I've ever seen.
Absolutely love the creative direction of adding the music and echos to the videos. Really helps with immersion, very original idea for an urban exploration series. Great work.
have you ever thought about going to europe do these things? I know in US is more than enough of scary abandoned places, but in europe you can find much much older abandoned buildings and the more history place have the more scary it can get
In Europe you're way more likely to find much older places that are not abandoned.
Marty toofree In Europe the are not so many abandoned places...
That Dan, is a key holder for the nightwatchmen's manual clock. He would wear the clock around his neck and when came to one of those key holders, he would take the key stick it in the clock and give it a turn. That was how he would keep up with his rounds during the night while checking the different area's of the store. Each floor would have one of those. Hint's the name watch clock station, hope this information helps.
Beautiful filming. What an interesting building, loved the old wallpapers and models from the 49's.
there was somebody yelling. sounded like a drug deal gone bad.
Such beautiful decay. The music was a nice touch. I swear when that shutter started to rattle I half expected some zombies to come bursting through. Keep up the good work :)
that calendar!! i was a senior at saint ignatius college prep in san francisco, and it seems my birthday fell on a thursday. i worked weekends at a furniture store in 1982 much smaller, but not unlike this, called Lewis Samuels & Co. mission district SF.
Dan, A Watchclock is a mechanical clock used by security guards as part of their Guard tour patrol system which require regular patrols. The most commonly used form was the mechanical clock systems that required a key for manual punching of a number to a strip of paper inside with the time pre-printed on it. Recently, electronic systems have increased in popularity due to their light weight, ease of use, and downloadable logging capabilities [1]
This increase in the electronic systems led the largest U.S. manufacturer of watchclocks, Detex, to discontinue all of their mechanical watchclocks on December 31, 2011 including the Detex Newman which had been manufactured for 130 years.
Watchclocks often had a paper or light cardboard disk or paper tape placed inside for a set period of time usually 24 hours for disk models, and 96 hours for tape models. The user would carry the clock to each checkpoint where a numbered key was mounted (typically chained in place, ensuring that the user was present). That key was then inserted into the clock, turned, and imprint the disk with the key number. The paper disk or tape had the times pre printed and the key impressed the key number on the corresponding time. After the shift (or Specified time period) an authorized person (usually a supervisor) would unlock the watchclock and retrieve the disk or tape and insert a new one. In the case of Detex brand clocks, each time the cover is opened or closed a mechanical device would puncture the disk or tape at the current time, if a disk had more than 2 perforations on it, it proved that the clock had been opened and possibly tampered with, or records forged.
"The approximately five pound circular watchclock was enclosed in a black leather pouch attached to a leather strap and carried over the shoulder. Inside buildings mounted near doors, were watchclock stations consisting of a small metal box with a hinged lid, which contained a numbered key affixed by a twelve-inch chain. The watchman would insert the key into the clock, rotate it and a numeric stamp would be pressed onto a roll or disk of paper locked inside the clock."
3:12 nice wall paper , reminds me of my grandmas house 50 yrs ago
+Earl V ikr
lived in bmore my whole life and never knew about this place till now.
+Vanessa H yeah it does suck. the new generation won't even know what a shopping mall is if they keep closing. we have to stop online shopping
I like the music on this one. It was a perfect fit. The "Superstar" instrumental took me back to the early 70's. I remember hearing music like this (or maybe it was this exact same music) as I wandered around in older department stores. Nice work Dan. The videos just keep getting better all the time.
great buildind! it looks like it might of had a major remodel done back in the 20s. lots of art deco styling accents. another great video dan.
It is hard to imagine that this place was ever a department store especially with fitting rooms and retail space in the basement like that. We are spoiled by our very modern way of shopping. I bet it was beautiful in its hayday.
+Alexandria Mount I wish I could find some images of the inside from when it was still operating as retail.
I think that was an orb at 9:29, and all that rattling and banging was creepy! Great video!
+Carolyn Perez Thanks, Carolyn.
What a time capsule! Love the old fashion prints. Your videos are just great, Dan!
I love the added mall music. Great touch. You are one of my favorite youtubers. Keep up the excellent work! And thank you 🤘🏼
That security camera at 14:20 is ancient! I remember those in the 80's and early 90's in stores. Looks like someone swiped the lens off of that one. I just put in a system that does 1080p, and the cams are 3/4 that size.
Oh the texture! This space and the way you chose for us to experience it... just captivating. I could spend hours trying to take it all in.
+Samantha Thanks, Samantha!
The black iron box on the wall was the Night Watchmans Key Clock Box.
The watch clock is a check point for security guards, they would have to check in at these stations throughout the store. The night watchman would check in each station during the night when he made his rounds. There was a key attached to them that check this on a device he would have on his person.
I hear talking around 14:10 right after he says fitting rooms.
Nice to see a building that large that has been abandoned for that long that's not covered in graffiti.
Dan. Have you ever thought of making a Short Film. With your talent, ideas and some extra equipment you should be able too. Panning shots with a dolly for example and much more. I'm sure you could win one or more prizes.
Looks like something from Fallout, if they decide to make a movie this would be a good place
dude idk if a game like this has been made, but wouldn't it be so cool to make something that starts off like a typical dan bell video but ends up turning into something kinda like outlast?
sorry if i'm being a butt writing this comment, it might be obvious, but i only know like two video games XD
I'm also getting a BioShock vibe from just some of the super-old stuff in there.
I like how when you picked up the receiver it still had a busy tone as if it were hooked up. Did that happen or was the sound edited in and if it was good job lol!
12:56 the dates! Wow!
Incredible how post-apocalyptic that whole area looks. Perfect spot for a Walking Dead taping!
I have seen almost all the dead mall video's and I realy love them. I am from Holland and we do not have dead malls like this here. I like the ones that are totally empty, the best of all. The eerie vibe and the way everything is crumbling down, wow great. Like a horror movie without the zombies but still scary as hell. Keep on making them. :-)
Thanks for showing the elevators! The elevators are the best part in the video. And those are dated back to the 1960s I think, because if it were pre 1960s, there would have been a crank in the elevator. That store must have closed and been renovated before it opened up as Kaufman's. I would love to go into the old Kress in my city, but I'm so scared of getting caught.
one day, my family and I got lost in the city and ended up here and ever since, I've been fascinated by the place. considering the area and how bad they look on the outside, they're in pretty good shape on the inside
I just live your channel! I watch every time you upload a video.
+Bridget Haddock Thanks, Bridget!
This is Dan Bell. You're welcome. Keep up the great work
+This is Dan Bell. when was this abandoned
started watching some of your videos from time to time over the last couple months then more recently almost every day/nite. you do such a great job. Keep up the good work. you have more guts than i got going into some of the creepy places ive seen in our videos
Thanks. It is amazing to see an entire block empty like this. In my neighborhood, you'd never see this. I have seen empty buildings out in the rural areas...I guess I need to get out more.
Very pretty building! Too bad it's in such disrepair :(
This has got to be my favorite video of Dan's All those ancient names, dates & devices. What a time capsule
That 1983 calendar was cool! I discovered I was born on a Saturday, on the 19th of March! 😀
that watch clock station is for a security guard. a key is attached to the chain and the guard carried a clock that he/she inserts the key and it marks the time the guard was at that station. security companies do this to show the guards are doing their jobs.
+Billy Patrick (The Billymyster) I have a Night Watchman Clock.
Everything looks so old, rusted and run-down...but then, in the midst of all that, is a modern-looking security camera, seemingly just installed yesterday!
I went there when it was operating in the 70s & 80s. I still live close by.
What Happened ?
That old department store music really takes me back shopping with mom
and hearing the metal hangers slide back and forth.
In 2020, Dan Bell's videos still are some of the best urbex videos on the internet.
Great video Dan! That watch station box is for a guard on patrol. he would have a device on him and as he made his rounds, he would insert the key from those little boxes to show he actually did his patrol correctly.
Great Video. Ist a time capsule. The shoe sign an the picture with the lady on it, looks like it is from the early 50s or 60s.
Its amazing how items like clothing charts and signs can make the environment that much more creepier..surprised they have stood the test of time. Many of them look untouched which adds to the mystery. Creepy stuff.
wow I haven't been to old town mall in over 20yrs. I lived on orleans St in the projects as a kid. I just asked you on another video to go here! wow!!!
The little black box on the wall is a Detex Watchclock Station. The night watchman/guard would remove the key from the box and insert into the watchclock which makes an impression on a roll of paper.
But there are ways around the system.
The keys were readily available new from the manufacturer or used at various places. I doubt if they are still in use.
The new version of that is a bar code.
Easily defeated, take a picture with a smart phone and relax for awhile.
Wow, just... wow. Malls are soon-to-be modern-day tombs and you're an archeologist.
Murrlin27 - that's what I've been thinking the whole time while watching these videos. I can see him putting out a book with all the best of photos from these places so people can recall those times.
I worked at Kaufman's downtown Pittsburgh, Pa
This has to be one of your creepiest yet. Thanks for sharing
What’s a Gem! Watching and enjoying in 2019.
Me too 2020 !
As many times as I've driven past the old Town Mall I never had any idea there was an old department store there. Then again I've never had the guts to go through there.
It does look like a perfect place to build a Haunt. Dark, creepy, and probably comes with it"s own ghosts!!
Ok, I am wildly curious about how that wheelchair came to be there... It will haunt me forever. Well, maybe not forever, but an hour at least...
+melissa finley You know, I don’t know. The elevators haven’t been in service in a long time.
The wheelchair was probably a courtesy chair in the Kaufman's days. And Dan, those basement finds were an amazing time capsule. The date on the lockbox fob was 10/18/45, written on my dad's 20th birthday! I wonder how it remained there for 70 years!
+Chris Palmer It is so amazing. My dad was 5, my mom was not yet born. I wish I could see what it looked like back in the 40's!
This is Dan Bell. I think those little cards was maybe the time clock? Did anyone else offer an explanation? By the way, I love your videos! I really like the fact that you have a lot of respect for the places you show us. I wish everyone did. It seems like a lot people just want to destroy these places. I'm looking forward to your next adventure!!!
Chris Palmer It is amazing! I love seeing these places. Mr. Bell has a lot of respect for these old places.
so glad BSF used your footage so i could find you! I live in baltimore and I've been looking for videos on abandoned places here. Super excites they are planning to do a haunted house or something here this october!!
Dan your use of music is spook-tacular! Especially music from 'The Shining'.
so awsome those old buildings and al the character over the years.now its just dead.thanks dan bell.another awsome vid.great work u put into this.
+Jaco Jonker Thanks, Jaco!
The music is so relaxing!!!!
I constantly binge watch your videos! thank you for inspiring me to go to some of these places!
Danielle White I love bench watching
Awesome video... I simply love the artwork at 13:12.
+Sharon Sandpiper Thanks, Sharon!
What was that all about @9:56
Probably idiots trying to get in.
Idk
Wind.
Buildings so old there I remember working on this super old farmhouse ,we had to jack up the walls and redo the foundation and all this on that honestly had ceilings that were no taller than six foot throughout its entirety . walls were like a foot thick with hay /mud? inside them lol ! What a trip.
Thinking that I started high school back in 1983 when that calendar was new...
Back in earlier days, large stores had night watchmen, usually retired cops, who came on duty at five, and stayed until reopening at nine the next morning. They were responsible for making rounds throughout the store all night long to prevent burglaries. The night watchmen carried special watches that were geared to run for ten or fifteen minutes, the length of time it would take for him to walk from one black key box to the next. So each of those special black boxes you saw, known as a Watchman's Key Box, had a special key inside which the night watchman would use to rewind his watch. If he was goofing around and was late, or fell asleep, the next morning his watch would be out of synchronization with the master clock, and he would be fired. These are the little treasures from the past that are not seen anymore due to alarm systems. From the writing I saw, on the medallion, it seems the key boxes were last updated in October of 1945. Pretty amazing.
Great as always. I really enjoy, as does probably everyone, the really creepy locations. Especially when the weird out of place stuff happens.
+Caleb Davidhizar Thanks, Caleb! Me too!
Once again, another awesome video Dan!
+kokonutfreaks Thanks!
12:50 - In the days before automated security, guards would carry a 'watch clock' on their rounds. At certain points (like the one you found) there was a station mounted on the wall and inside there was a key. The guard would insert the key into the clock and turn it, therefore marking that he had visited that particular spot and at what time. I suppose in the long run that it was a measure of accountability and a positive record the guard was doing his job and not slacking off and hiding somewhere.
Thanx for sharing. This reminds me of Golbergs Department Store in Scotland. They must have been from the sa,e era
Such an amazing building. I am looking forward to the cutting room floor on this!
Hey man just found your channel and it's just awesome! I wonder which camera you are using? :)
+LeonTV I'm sure he won't answer that question because he hates it.
***** :/
+Amarsanaa Ravdansambuu why??
And forgot:
That old elevator is freaking cool. I love the bakelite switches and knobs.
Dan, one of the best. thanks.
+James McEntee Thanks, James!
what is it with wheelchairs and creepy abandoned buildings
Ad am lol I have no idea
Ad am was wonderin if anyone else noticed that. Good eye.
This is one of your coolest videos you ever did. Doesn't look like it has been tagged or or had much vandalism.
+Malcolm Crawford Thanks, Malcolm!
Great architecture to be restored in some way.
Great video also.
Greetings from Argentina!
Very cool location and great video!!!
Daniel28021991 nice Buick profil picture ;)
Awesome video, Dan. I loved it!
At 12:43, that "Watch Clock Station", that was a way of ensuring that the night gaurd was patrolling the building. There would be a key inside that box that would fit into a clock on the other side of the building. The clocks had timers in them. If the key wasn't inserted at the correct time, the alarm would sound. There would be multiple timers on the clock, ensuring the gaurd was making his rounds accordingly. Basically, it made sure your gaurd wasn't sleeping on the job.
The guard carries the clock. ua-cam.com/video/xwkIzphNFZY/v-deo.html
Or bleeding out because a robber attacked him
Interesting!